2003 Opelousas Rotary Sunrise Duathlon
By: The WM
March 23, 2003

As it was for the previous two years, the Opelousas Rotary Sunrise Duathlon was the Louisiana State Championship for 2003.  For only the second time in the seven year history of the race, the winner was not John Deshotel of Lafayette.  On a gorgeous day with conditions conducive for fast times, 34 year old Neill Rowland of Lake Charles ended defending champ Deshotel's reign by 22 seconds.  Last year's runner up, Kevin Cart from Lake Charles, was third.  On the distaff side, 42 year young Giselle Hosgood from Baton Rouge was the winner.  Lisa Armstrong of Houston was second, just as she was in 2002.  Armstrong, interestingly, does all of her bike training indoors on her CompuTrainer.  Third was IronMan veteran Elizabeth Cassano of Alexandria..

According to Deshotel, the course slightly favors cyclists rather than runners because of length and difficulty of the bike course. This typically plays out well for him, and so it was as he was fifth after the first run.  He quickly made up the gap on the bike course, and the top 3 men came into T2 almost simultaneously.  History indicates that such a position would favor Deshotel, but Rowland "dug deep and put together a great run", according to Deshotel, who was quick to praise his rival. 

Repeat age group winners from 2002 were  Heather Black (25-29), Phyllis Bazer (45-49), and Stephen O'Neill (40-44).  55 year old Barry Clark of Lacrosse, Wisconsin was a double winner, turning in an outstanding performance of 1:06:52 to win his age group by 11 minutes.  He was also the easy winner of the came-the-farthest-for-the-race title.

The race is a 2/16/2 format.  The bike course - up and down the I-49 service road twice - features several rolling hills.  The flat 2 mile run that bookends the race is held within a quiet residential neighborhood.

The race serves as a fundraiser for the Opelousas Rotary Club.  The Rotarians provide a delicious jambalaya afterward, and plenty to drink.  The race director always gives away an ample supply of nice door prizes.  The age group awards were handsome plaques. 

The duathlon featured two pro triathletes, not a common site at Lafayette area races.  Terry Butts (10th overall) and Bobo Anderson (14th) were not in top shape, but using the race as a means to work their way back.

This year's race had the largest turnout ever, with 170 finishers, up from 110 a year ago.   As recently as five years ago, there were less than 50 finishers and the event was in danger of dying out.  Race director Russell Bex indicates the field limit is 200 due to logistical constraints, so an early entry for next year is advised, as a sellout seems likely.